The topsy-turvy world that is professional sports is in full effect for the Ottawa Senators. One aspect we would like to highlight is the unequivocal leader that superstar defenceman Jake Sanderson has developed into for the Sens. So, let’s discuss his impact, how the Sens got in their current predicament, and where they will go from here.

The Sens 2025-26 is Similar to 2024-25

To explain the upside-down world that we are watching in front of our very eyes, let’s travel back to 2024-25 for a moment. On January 9th, 2025, after a 4-0 home loss versus the Buffalo Sabres, things were looking pretty bleak. The club was 19-18-3, at the time. However, and mainly thanks for Leevi Merilainen, the club quickly turned that the truck around. Merilainen played eight games, in a three-week span, and went 6-1-1. Overall, the club went on a 10-2-1 stretch. That really was the turning point of their season. It would eventually spark their first Stanley Cup Playoff trip in seven years.

On the flip side of the coin, you can really see how things can change. If we fast forward to present day, the Sens are 23-19-7. Furthermore, they just sent Merilainen back to the AHL, and recently signed 37-year-old James Reimer. To help the turn around, they now need to turn to their leaders.

Jake Sanderon is the Sens Lead

Cue, Jake Sanderson. He is third on the team in points, and in the top ten among defencemen league wide. He’s over 25 minutes a night, also leading the Sens. Also, he puts it all on the line, with 99 blocked shots, you guessed it, leading the Sens. As a note, Artem Zub is well back in second at 72.

Jake Sanderson says he apologized to Leevi Merilainen for his comments on Saturday, saying the team needed more than 10 saves.

“First off, I’m pretty embarrassed. I think that’s the situation where after a game you’ve got to take a few more minutes. Take a few deep breaths…”

— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) January 20, 2026

As we have also seen, he is really finding himself as a leader. He is finding his voice in the locker room. The problem with doing that, is sometimes, like any head coach in a press conference, you’re going to call people out. Whether you’re calling out players, coaches, or fans, after tough losses especially, players are frustrated, and sometimes let their emotions get the better of themselves.

But that is what it is all about, finding your voice. It is like anything, there is sure to be a learning curve. Moreover, knowing the timing of even when to speak up. You can’t do that without practice. So, even becoming a leader takes lots of practice. Given the fact the Sens 2025-26 season is literally hanging in the balance, the timing was quite impressive.

The Great Sens Leadership Group

Luckily for the Sens, their lineup is full of leaders. You even look at Thomas Chabot. His composure on the ice with the puck, cannot be denied. Captain Brady Tkachuk leads by doing absolutely whatever it takes to win. In addition, you have lots of veterans, such as David Perron, Lars Eller, even Nick Cousins, who have been there, done that, and have the silverware to back-it-up.

This is a very interesting group for the Sens. It truly is a shame that they are on the verge of not qualifying for the postseason. Now, we don’t think it is quite back to the drawing board. In contrast, with the current dynamic of the Eastern Conference standings, they might be letting a golden opportunity slip away.

Playoffs, Playoffs? In 2026? Aiy

The Sens have a need for star power. Take the example of last year’s first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. Moreover, lots of other teams have made major moves. Look at the trades of Kiefer Sherwood, Quinn Hughes, and Rasmus Andersson as prime examples. Teams identified a need and went out and got a star. In other words, a major upgrade to their current lineup.

Yes, the Sens are trying to keep the future in mind. That is why it is difficult to part with some like Stephen Halliday or Carter Yakemchuk, but this was a season to take advantage of the other teams.

They need wins, and do have points in five-in-a-row. There are reasons for (cautious) optimism. But as the life of a Sens fan can paint a picture, it sure can be stressful.

Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro – Imagn Images

Ottawa Senators Running Out of Time to Decide on Season